Top 10 Unique Under-Deck Screened Porch Ideas

Expanding the space of your house can be a tough decision for homeowners. You want to be sure that you’ll make good use of your new addition and won’t grow bored of the project you spent weeks designing and building. 

A screened porch presents the perfect balance between outdoor relaxation and indoor comfort by protecting the space from the elements and acting as a buffer. A screened porch is an excellent option for enjoying the seasons from the comfort of your own home. It can also be an extension of your home into the outdoors. It’s a great project if you have an existing deck or extra deck space you’re looking to convert or a second-story deck with extra unused space beneath!

And if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with the most inspiring design ideas to kickstart your DIY project!

What Makes a Screened Porch?

Construction of many screened porches includes a few simple elements: a concrete patio or composite deck surrounded by railings and screened panels, leaving little room for design or decor. They’re functional, but it doesn’t look good if not designed well. Check out these ten innovative porch ideas to make your space into something spectacular.

1. Pump Up a Small Porch

Make the most of a cozy space by fitting a small screened-in porch with a narrow bench or banquette against the wall. You can also add a small cafe-style table with a couple of chairs at one end. Turn it into the perfect morning coffee or reading nook with a bookcase or a coffee bar! Please keep it simple, as over-accessorizing may cause unnecessary clutter. 

2. Add a Hammock

Need a space away from it all to center yourself? A cozy hammock nook can be the perfect getaway to spend an afternoon dozing off to the sounds of light rain outside! You can set off other seating options like a loveseat or small couch to make it a group setting while retaining a cozy feeling.  

3. Fire Up a Focal Point

Take the living room comfort to a new level by centering your design around a fireplace! As a beautiful centerpiece, a fireplace is something you can enjoy during the cold winters. For the outdoor environment, natural stone works best and gives the space a traditional or rustic feel. 

4. Design a Multi-Functional Space

You can further blend the boundary between the indoors and the outdoors by how you physically use it. By mixing different patio furniture styles and an outdoor rug, you can create two separate, functional spaces on your porch. Keep in mind that lightweight furniture is low maintenance and easy to rearrange when having guests over for a summer night barbecue! A ceiling fan also adds a nice breeze on warmer nights. 

5. Build an A-Frame Porch

Incorporate even more of the outdoors with an open-air porch design. By adding height with an A-frame roof, you’ll feel more connected to the outside but still comfortable inside a sunroom-like style. In addition, an A-frame-style room is an excellent way to maximize a nice view of your backyard. 

6. Add Colorful Decor

You can add a little flair to your new outdoor living space by sprucing up your design with some bright colors. Develop a color scheme, then add splashes of color to different areas. Finally, add pops of color with pillows, doors, or other accessories to give the space extra character! Remember, don’t restrict yourself to using just traditional weatherproofed outdoor furniture. Think outside of the box and be creative! 

7. Create a Sleeping Porch

Another historically architectural piece that has dwindled in popularity is the sleeping porch commonly found on the second floor of southern homes. However, it has made a recent comeback for a good reason! If you enjoy the comfort of an afternoon summer breeze while taking a quiet nap, you will wonder why sleeping porches are not more common. A day bed or hanging bed will complete the room and make this space an optional guest accommodation for an overnight stay! 

8. Make a Cushioned Comfortable Couch

 Remember what we said earlier about not being stuck with using only outdoor furniture? What if you’ve already got outdoor furniture that you want to use in your new screened porch? The solution is relatively simple and quite comfortable! You can swap out some oversized indoor cushions for use as outdoor furniture. Adding a coffee table can make this a nice transitional space and function as an outdoor living room!

9. Go for a Traditional Lodge Look

Give some credit to wood grain and go for a more traditional cabin feel with your screened porch! With a farmhouse dining table, sturdy benches, and the right rustic architecture, you can make a perfect cozy country nook right in your home. Less is more, so creating a nice balance between nature and decor is key.

10. Envision a Zen Space 

Turning your porch into an architectural peninsula is another cool approach, allowing light and nature to filter into the room from all sides. Add a meditative element like a hammock or a hot tub, and you’ve got the perfect spot to decompress. 

As with any home improvement project, check all the boxes before you start. Trex has excellent resources that can help get you started if you’re unsure where to begin. Check your local building codes, take proper precautions, and happy building!